Barzani: We have never supported any side against Iran

According to Isna, the annual Middle East Peace and Security Conference (MEPS) was held by the American University of Kurdistan with the presence of Nichirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, along with many senior Iraqi officials, prominent political figures, academics, researchers, journalists, and guests from the Kurdistan Region, various Iraqi cities, etc., in the city of Dohuk.

Nichirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, said about the relations of the Kurdistan Region with Iran: We follow fundamental principles in politics and want to be the factor of security and maintaining stability in the region. After last year’s trip and our meeting and discussions with Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader and other officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran, we were able to reach a mutual understanding on these issues to a large extent, which continues to this day and I hope will continue in the future.

He added: Iran is an important neighbor for us and based on a fundamental principle; The Kurdistan Region always wants to have positive and problem-free relations with Iran. For example, if we only consider the economic aspect, the trade exchange between Iran and the Kurdistan region is about 11 to 12 billion dollars per year; Most of which is done inside the Kurdistan region. The position of the Kurdistan region; There has never been support from any party against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

We want to be the factor of security and maintaining stability in the region

Barzani continued his speech and added: The Islamic Republic has helped us in the past and we appreciate all their support. As I mentioned, our goal is to be a factor in establishing security and comfort and maintaining stability in the region. In fact, we considered this policy in the past, we will consider this policy now and in the future. I believe that there were some misunderstandings between us and Iran. However, we have not yet assisted any party against them; We have never done such a thing and we will not do it in the future. Because we follow fundamental principles in politics and want to be the factor of security and maintaining stability in the region. I am confident that during our trip to Tehran, especially after our meeting and discussions with the leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and other Iranian officials, we were able to reach a mutual understanding on these issues to a large extent, which continues to this day and I hope will continue in the future.

We appreciate all the help that the Islamic Republic of Iran has given us

In response to a question about the claims made against the Kurdistan Region, Barzani said: These claims were completely baseless. It is not in the politics and expediency of the Kurdistan Region to be involved in any issues and problems against the Islamic Republic of Iran. I believe they are more aware of this. We were not involved in this issue. We have always said and we will say in the future that we are grateful for all the help that the Islamic Republic has given us.

The goal of the Kurdistan Region is to contribute to peace and security in the region

Regarding the recent events in the Middle East and the role and position of the Kurdistan Region in the region, he said: The Kurdistan Region has always set its goal to help peace and security in the region. In addition, we have played an effective role not only for the Kurdistan Region, but also in Iraq alongside our brothers in Baghdad, and we have done our best in this field to ensure that the Kurdistan Region and Iraq do not become part of the region’s problems. The policy of the Kurdistan region has always been to act as a factor of peace and stability in the region. This has been a commitment and a policy that the Kurdistan Region has followed and will continue to adhere to in the future.

We believe that dialogue is the solution to problems and conflicts in the Middle East

Regarding the recent conflicts in the Middle East region and how to solve such issues, the head of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq said: As a principle, we do not accept the idea that challenges can be solved through weapons and violent military solutions. We believe that the issues of the region need careful investigation and analysis as well as serious dialogue to find a principled solution. Conflicts in the region have shown that they only bring destruction. When we look at the consequences of these wars, we see widespread destruction throughout the region, including in Palestine and beyond. Nevertheless, we believe that dialogue is the solution to these issues. We are encouraged by current efforts to address this issue. the recent resolution of the United Nations Security Council; It is an important step in the efforts initiated by President Trump, and we hope for its successful implementation.

Kurdish forces must be united in Baghdad

In response to a question about the presence of Kurdistan parties in Baghdad with a collective approach and creating unity among them to address the issues of the past few years between Baghdad and the Kurdistan region, such as employee rights, oil and gas law, implementation of the constitution, etc., Barzani clarified: I believe that this is necessary and a serious decision should be made about it so that the Kurdish forces are present in Baghdad in a united and integrated manner. Together, we can achieve the goals we all strive for. Although there are differences between the Kurdish forces in the Kurdistan Region, it is very important to create a formula that includes the Kurdish groups in Baghdad, with clear lines that define the interests of the Kurdistan Region. Part of this problem lies in the relations between the parties. For example, we have a disagreement with one party, while one party has a problem with another party. All these differences aside, what is really important; Our collective agreement is to reach a single goal and solve it in Baghdad.

The power of the Kurds in Baghdad is a guarantee for Iraq and the Kurdistan region

He also said: I believe that it is necessary for all the Kurdish forces who won in the sixth round of Iraqi parliamentary elections; Based on the amount of votes they have obtained and each party based on its position and number of seats, move towards Baghdad quickly and with a single instruction, determine a framework based on the interests of the Kurdistan Region and negotiate based on it there and ensure that they do not deviate from that framework. Considering the problems we have in the climate; We have constantly emphasized that we need to have a strong presence in Baghdad. The power of the Kurds in Baghdad is a guarantee for Iraq and the Kurdistan region. So, what I support and what we are looking for; It is for the Kurdish forces to move towards Baghdad in a united manner and with a common plan.

The constitution guarantees the peaceful coexistence of all Iraqi minorities

The president of the Kurdistan Region continued his speech and said: I constantly emphasize that the behavior and system applied to the Kurdistan Region is unlike any other federal system in the world. The Constitution of Iraq, which was drafted in 2005 and approved by the majority of votes. As the Kurdistan region, we have been saying that this law should be implemented and we support its implementation. This constitution guarantees the peaceful coexistence of all Iraqi minorities; Not only the minorities of the Kurdistan Region, but also other Iraqi minorities, including; Sunni, Shiite, Turkmen, Christian and Yazidi. If we want to have a stable Iraq; The first condition is the implementation of the constitution. In order for Iraq to achieve stability, the most important requirement is the implementation of the constitution.

We held very successful elections in the Kurdistan region

Regarding the approval of the new constitution of the Kurdistan region, he said: I am sorry to say this here; We should have approved it a long time ago. Last year, thanks to the people of Kurdistan, we held very successful elections in the Kurdistan Region, in which approximately 72% of the people participated. We hope that after these Iraqi elections, we will witness the formation of the new government of the Kurdistan Regional Government, and without a doubt, the first task and the main priority after that will be the issue of approving the new constitution of the Kurdistan Region.

The alphabet of peace and stability in Iraq is to solve the problems between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad

Barzani, in response to a question about meeting and consulting with various Iraqi leaders, including; The Prime Minister of Iraq and several other personalities of this country said on the sidelines of the annual Middle East Peace and Security Conference (MEPS): I believe that after enduring a long period of conflict and challenges, we hope that all groups and currents have come to the decision that these issues should be addressed and a serious solution should be found for them. The key to the alphabet of peace and stability in Iraq; The solution of its problems lies between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad. I believe that if Iraq seriously tries to solve these problems, politically; Iraq will enter a completely different and more successful phase. We hope that all Iraqi factions have learned a lesson from the past, and that lesson is to consider this period as a period focused on the implementation of the Iraqi constitution and solving all issues with the Kurdistan region in accordance with it. We really hope that this will happen and in fact, we will witness its implementation.

The peace process will benefit all minorities in Türkiye

The president of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq said about his meeting and conversation with the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and a delegation of Kurdish representatives in the parliament of this country to advance the peace process in Turkey: The government of the Kurdistan Region has always emphasized this and has continuously expressed its readiness to help this process, a process that we believe will benefit all minorities in Turkey and will have a significant impact on both the Kurdistan Region and the entire region. We have repeatedly announced that we will do everything in our power for the success of the peace process. The role of the Kurdistan Region has been to contribute to the success of this initiative and proposal in an efficient and active manner.

The peace process in Türkiye needs patience

He also said: Based on my conversations in Ankara, especially with Mr. President, I can confirm that this process is really serious. However, we must be realistic. The challenge that has lasted for forty years cannot be solved overnight. This is a process that requires patience. At times, it may seem like the process feels like it’s at a dead end at times, but it’s not; But the result of all these years of hard work cannot be seen in just a few months. I predict that this process may take several years, but what we see so far, whether the steps taken by Ankara or the ones we see from other sides; It indicates that the speed may be too slow.

Ocalan emphasized the need to reach a peaceful solution for the benefit of all parties

Barzani continued his speech and emphasized: But I believe that the peace process in Türkiye is very serious and it deserves that all parties cooperate and accompany each other for its success. The role of the Kurdistan Region has been a companion for its success; The Kurdistan Regional Government made good preparations for the visit of a delegation from Turkey to Qandil a long time ago and put all its efforts in this field and supported them for this visit. I repeat, the role of the Kurdistan region is to help both sides to reach an agreement. From my observations and conversations in Ankara, I understand that there is a significant commitment to ensure that this process comes to fruition. What we have seen so far from Mr. Ocalan is a strong emphasis on the need to reach a solution and progress towards peace that benefits all involved parties.

The Syrian people deserve a much better quality of life

In another part of his speech, this experienced diplomat spoke about the impact of the peace process in Turkey on the situation of the Kurdish forces in Syria and the meeting and conversation with Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Erbil and Ahmed al-Shara, the self-proclaimed president of Syria, on the sidelines of the fourth Antalya Diplomacy Summit in Turkey. He said: Syrian people, as a nation; They deserve a much better quality of life; compared to what they currently have. Today, there is a reality in Syria and Ahmad al-Shara is present there. We believe that this situation is a great opportunity for Syria to achieve peace and security. Our message and guidance to our Kurdish brothers in Syria has been clear in two or three points; From the very first days, we have told them to go to Damascus; Raise the new Syrian flag, don’t wait for them to send you an invitation. This country, the nation; Your position and future. It is essential that you actively participate in shaping the destiny of Syria. This is the essence of our relationship with our brothers in Syria.

Kurds have played a big role in the fight against terrorism

The President of the Kurdistan Region emphasized in his speech: However, it is important to acknowledge that some forces, especially General Mazloum Abdi and the forces that are with him; They have played a big role in fighting terrorism and dealing with security issues and maintaining stability; Now, both inside Syria and about the effects it has on the Kurdistan region and Iraq. We believe that the centralized government model in Syria is not a suitable approach and system for cooperation in this country. Syria is a country known for its ethnic, religious and cultural diversity. We believe that a centralized and strong governance structure under the current model in Syria; It will not bring positive results.

The rights of all minorities in the context of Syria must be recognized

Barzani said about the governance approach in Syria: a different approach and model should be considered. We never propose to repeat the governance model of the Kurdistan region there. We have not made such a proposal; Rather, we believe that based on the characteristics and situation of Syria; It should adapt its governance according to its unique characteristics, reality and conditions. Unfortunately, in Damascus, there is a prevailing mindset that favors a strong central government. We do not believe that a strong centralist approach will improve the future of Syria. We firmly believe that the rights of all minorities in the framework of Syria should be recognized and they should get their real rights. Kurdistan region; From this point of view, it supports and is committed to help facilitate this process. I understand that Türkiye is very keen to address these issues. However, I do not believe that Türkiye’s mere statements will lead to its actual implementation; Not in this way. On the contrary, I believe that Türkiye has made efforts and will continue to try to solve these issues, but this is an internal issue in the country of Syria. The current government of Syria must come to this understanding and reality and propose a correct practical model for the future of the country.

It is not possible for the Syrian Democratic Forces to join the Syrian Army individually

The President of the Kurdistan Region said in the continuation of the meeting at Dohuk University about how to integrate the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) under the command of Mazloum Abdi into the new Syrian army and the views of Turkey and Syria in this regard: I believe that the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces into the Syrian army is not possible individually. This is simply not practical. We faced a similar problem with the Americans in 2003. The Americans insisted that the Kurdish Peshmerga forces should be part of the new Iraqi army. We responded that this was not practical or realistic. After three days of discussion, they finally came up with a name for the Peshmerga. They suggested the name Mountain Rangers. I remember when they asked Mr. Masrour Barzani, who is also present here: “What will happen if we translate this name into Kurdish?” He replied that it would be translated as “peshmerga”.

There are 10,000 very extreme and ISIS-affiliated prisoners in “Alhol” detention center

Barzani continued his speech and emphasized: The same applies to the Kurds of Syria. It is not realistic to inform them individually that they should join the Syrian army one by one. A different formula should be adopted to solve it. For example, currently, Al-Hawl Detention Center is causing the biggest problem; Almost 10,000 people are imprisoned there, who are very extreme and affiliated with ISIS. What fate awaits these people? This situation must be resolved through dialogue between Damascus and our brothers in the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). We believe that the Syrian Democratic Forces should take certain measures as soon as possible. Since March 2025, they have reached agreements with “Ahmad Al-Shara”, but none of them have been implemented. What are they waiting for? I don’t know!

The agreement between Abdi and Al-Shara has not yet been implemented

In response to a question about the implementation of the agreement between Mazloum Abdi and Ahmad al-Shara, the head of the Kurdistan Region said: Both sides have not yet implemented the agreement, although most of the discussions are focused on the non-action of the Syrian Democratic Forces. This situation should be resolved through dialogue. What are they waiting for? We are witnessing daily developments in Syria. Therefore, I believe that the Kurds should take advantage of this opportunity. These issues should be resolved through dialogue as soon as possible. Our responsibility in the Kurdistan Region is to continue to help and cooperate in this field.

Denying the existence of Kurds in the region has been ineffective

“Nichirvan Barzani” in response to the last question of the host of this panel of the “Middle East Peace and Security” annual conference about the denial of the Kurds in Syria, Turkey and solving such issues through dialogue and a peaceful solution emphasized: How successful has the policy of denial been in the region during these years? In fact, the approach of denying the existence of the Kurds has been ineffective and has shown that such a policy cannot be successful. We believe that these challenges, taking into account the conditions of the Kurds in each country where they live; They should be resolved through dialogue, understanding and peaceful solutions. These issues should be addressed. The position of the Kurdistan Region is that solving these issues will lead to progress and development. We do not recommend or insist on a particular model that should be followed. We believe that the solution to these problems must be rooted in the position of the Kurds and the issue of the Kurds in the framework of the countries where they live. However, it has been proven that Kurdish politics cannot be denied. I believe that if these challenges are solved and these issues and problems are resolved, a new perspective will emerge in the region. A perspective that both politically and economically; It will be beneficial for all parties involved.

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